A Life In Pictures:- Shoaib Akhtar

Shoaib was always a stud
Well known party animal

Equally well known for the aeroplane celebration

And up-rooting batsmens stumps

Shoaib 'The Superman'

With SRK and the IPL

Put his body on the line for Pakistan

Hurt his favorite Batsmen, in Lara

I didn't say Superman for no reason :P

Having a joke with Sachin

With Afridi, Gul and Tanvir

After yorkering Sachin with his 1st bowl to him

Yes he was that quick

A young Shoaib celebrating.

Shafiq is The Future

Shafiq made a well compiled unbeaten 78* in Pallekele.

World Cups are stages where heroes are made and true gems are discovered. Over the years some of the world’s finest players have announced themselves to the World at a World Cup event which famously includes Inzamam Ul Haq in 1992 when the youngster took the world by storm by playing phenomenal match winning knock under pressure in the semi final at Eden Park New Zealand where victory looked improbable, but the class and exuberance of Multan’s Sultan had other ideas in mind as he blasted the Kiwi attack to all parts of the ground and single handily stamped his authority to give Pakistan an unlikely victory when they were chasing down a tough total.

Recently, Asad Shafiq got his chance after Umar Akmal pulled up an injury which side lined his participation in Pakistan’s penultimate Group Fixture against Zimbabwe and in his very first of World Cup appearances notched up a delightful knock to guide his side over the line. He caught the eye of many experts including former England left hander Mark Butcher who was impressed by the youngster as he highlighted in his post match analysis in the Sky Sports Studio.

Shafiq showed a great deal of maturity, application and determination as he walked out to bat at number 3 following the early exit of Ahmed Shehzad. Initially he looked a touch scratchy, but once he battled through the nervous patches up front, he began to find his comfort zone and was in full flow.

Asad is a short lad with a very well composed level headed stance. He generally favours the on side. Against spin he uses the crease very well to rock back and create room and this is a key scoring option he turns to. Occasionally every now and then he comes out of his blocks and can execute lofted shots. He has the ability to knock the ball around and play the ball late like a cheeky operator and tends to go about his business at a good rate.

Against pace he is very strong off his legs with anything slanting into him which he frequently tucks away neatly into the gaps. He usually gets behind the ball nicely in defence and when the width is on offer he ensures he doesn’t miss out by crunching the ball through the off side. He gets on top of the ball well and looks in control, but occasionally is found wanting playing the wrong line outside the off stump. His attitude is admirable and he has the gift of solid temperament and mental strength to carry him through and show some fighting resistance when the going gets tough or handle different match situations efficiently.

Asad models himself on Mohammad Yousuf who is one of his role models as a middle order batsmen. There are similarities already visible between the two. Specifically referring to the elegance, strike rotation and commanding presence they have at the crease as they look to dig in hard and accumulate.

In the field he is alert, agile and has top notch hand eye coordination. We have seen him make some wonderful stops and take some cool headed catches. Additionally, he provides a keeping option and is regarded as a handy glovemen who can stand in if needed.

With 2 ODI half centuries and 2 Test Half centuries already under his belt within just 18 international appearances in all formats the future is looking promising for the emerging player who has settled into international cricket very well. He can form the future of Pakistan's batting line up along with the likes of Azhar Ali, Umar Akmal and some domestic prospects like Usman Sallu, Babar Azam, Rameez Aziz and Shan Masood who have pushed through the ranks in this concluding 2010/11 season.

Preview-Australia versus Pakistan by Tim Holt

This is a huge clash that will more likely than not decide the Team that finishes on top.So there is all to play for for both of the Teams
So lets start by looking at the Australian's

Australia

World Cup Form:
The Australian's have been undefeated so far in this Tournament.Which on paper indeed looks very impressive.Though when you take a close look at their games you start to query how good they are.For they have accounted for the Associate Teams in Zimbabwe,Kenya and Canada and beaten a New Zealand Team that was reeling in the wake of an Earthquake tragedy back home.In the game against a quality Team against Sri Lanka. They were under the cosh with their bowling hardly posing a threat.A true indicator of the real Australia would have been seen in that game,but Mother Nature won out half way through Sri Lanka's innings when they batted first

The Likely Team
The Australian's are unlikely to make changes so the Team will be as follows:

Watson, Haddin, Ponting,Clarke, White, Hussey, Smith, Johnson, Lee, Krejza, Tait

4 Keys For Them To Win

1,The Openers Need To fire
Whether they are batting first or chasing the openers need to get Australia a good start.For the obvious reason of the impetus it will provide the rest of the innings.Though more importantly it will blunt Pakistan if they decide to try to beat Australia with spin.Which they obviously will for it's a known thought amongst cricket observers.That this Aussie Team are bunnies against spin.
If the openers can get a good start then the game changes.For the spinners will have to bowl against set batsmen with defensive fields.Thus their effectiveness will be neutralised.From the point of view they'll have to bowl in a defensive manner rather than an attacking manner

2,Australia's Middle Order versus Pakistan's Spinners
The Australian duo of Michael Clarke and Mike Hussey are without a doubt Australia's best players of spin.If in fact the openers fail and Ponting continues with his struggles.The Pakistani's will throw the noose around the Aussie batsmen's necks and let the spinners pull tight to strangle the life out of them.Though in the midst of this. These two Aussie batsmen are good enough players against spin to turn the tables.They'd do this by attacking with discretion till they got on top and then dominating.
As we saw with Hussey against Graeme Swann in the Ashes and Michael Clarke against spinners in the past
These two could be key in Australia winning the match

3,Can The Aussie Pace Trio Continue The Form?
In this World Cup so far the trio of Brett Lee,Mitchell Johnson and Shaun Tait have been very fine performers.Though the fact that all the three have had various struggles in the recent past makes you question if they can keep up their form.In a game like this on a pitch that will more likely be dead and in no way favour them it will be a huge challenge.So if they struggle,the fact they are all attacking bowlers mean that they could go for plenty.It would also throw the Australian bowling into disarray.For you'd have to look at someone like Steve Smith having to cover some of their overs and the Pakistani batsmen would rip his very average offerings to shreds

4,Ricky Ponting Is Due!
The Australia Captain is one of the best batsmen in the games history.Though in the last year from a Team point of view and an individual point of view he's had a very forgettable time.Even here at the World Cup he's struggled with form and had a few incidents on and off the Ground that have rankled him.
Though few even now he's in the twilight of his career doubt his quality and also his pride in performance.
So him playing a match winning innings in this huge game is on the cards
If he does it would be a huge key in Australia winning the match

Xfactor
I for the life of me can't see Steven Smith's role in the Team.So be a great ploy to remove him and include Dave Hussey.For Hussey is a better batsman,bowler and better option for Australia

Pakistan

World Cup Form
The Pakistanis in the Cup so far have been very impressive in regards to showing that they have a Team that has every base covered.As shown against the Sri Lankan's when they get it all right they are very hard to beat and a match for any one
BUT
Come the New Zealand game and the Kamran Akmal circus began with him basically costing his Team the game with his blunders.Then in the aftermath his brother got involved in the farce by claiming he was injured to save Kamran getting the bullet (like in Sydney in 2010)
They regained their composure to beat a very average Zimbabwe side with Kamran in it due to Umar being 'injured'
Though sadly one has to worry about the damage that has been done to a side that had been so impressive so far
Needless to say if Pakistan has sense Kamran would be gone and if Umar starts any nonsense he'd be told your out too.
For no one is ever bigger than the Team.
This aside,a Pakistan Team in a chaotic state is at it's most dangerous.

The likely Team
Hafeez, Asad Shafiq, Younis, Misbah, Umar Akmal (wk), Razzaq, Afridi, Ajmal, Gul, Wahab, Ahktar

4 Keys For Them To Win

1,Umar Gul And Reverse Swing
This very underatted quick bowler has been so impressive at this World Cup.Again showing that he is one of the Modern day masters with his use of reverse swing.If again he can master it against the Aussies.He will more than likely have great success for the Aussies as seen against the Indian's and English are real bunnies against any type of swing
Gul could be a huge factor in this game

2,Asad Shafique Should Open
The openers for Pakistan have struggled mightily so far in this World Cup and duly Ahmed Shahzad should be dropped.As seen in the last game and in his debut series against South Africa. Asad Shafique is a very fine young player.He in truth would be a perfect opening batsman and if he succeeds he could strengthen the Pakistan side automatically.Not only through his success, but also by allowing Younis Khan to bat at his rightful position at 3

3,Pakistan Needs To Target One Of Lee,Johnson Or Tait
This is a tactic Pakistan needs to take on board.For granted their all quick bowlers but aren't as dangerous as others for they haven't the skill and can be very loose.They are all very one dimensional too for their solely attacking bowlers.So if Pakistan can take one or more to the cleaners and duly knock them out of the attack.They will force the Aussies to look at their part time options which are very average indeed.
If they can do this they will win the game

4,The Fielding And Tactics With The Fields
There is very little doubt that Pakistan will target Australia with spin.Which is completely justified.Though when the spinners come on either in attempt to counter the Australian batsmen being on top or to strangle the life out of them with the Aussies under pressure.Firstly the spinners have to be backed by the fields set by Afridi.There's no sense at all leaving gaps so the batsmen can tap easy singles into the out field.Thus automatically taking the pressure off.Instead they need to challenge the Aussies with more in the infield to challenge the batsmen.Thus making it easier for the bowlers to strangle the batsmen's scoring rates and thus lead to frustration and likely demise.
This being said the men in the infield have to be 100% switched on!
The tactics and the fielding in support of the tactics could be the key factor in the match

Xfactor
The announcement of Shoaib Ahktar's impending retirement after the World Cup will more than likely be a huge inspiration for both him and the Team.As such Shoaib must play in this game

Prediction
On the basis of the Pitch more than likely favouring spin and Australia's weakness against it with the bat and zero options with it with the ball.
Pakistan should win this match

Shoaib:- Retirement Transcript

Pakistan pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar has said he will retire from international cricket after the World Cup. Akhtar made up his mind after Pakistan's 110-run defeat against New Zealand. Excerpts from his press conference: Since I am not very good with speeches, I have written this down. So let’s see how it goes.

Dear friends, I thank you for being here. Today, I step ahead from the most significant part of my life and walk forward. I have decided to say goodbye. This World Cup is my last and the remaining matches here will be the last few in my international career. Mentally, I wanted to continue perhaps forever, but I must make way for the youngsters to take over. In my entire career of 18 years, I have had many defeats but countless victories. I have made a lot of friends and won’t hesitate to say that some misunderstood me.

I can’t say I have any regrets. It’s been an excellent run. I really thought I could last a little longer. Though I touched 159.9 km/hr while bowling a few days ago right here in Colombo but now I want to wait for it to be taken over. With this announcement, it feels like it’s my first death (sniffs a tad). My retirement, my ability to play for Pakistan was a dream come true for me. This dream was made beautiful and exciting because of the love and affection from my fans. I want to thank all my fans back home and around the world from the bottom of the heart.

I want to thank my board, my dear Pakistan Cricket Board for their support. I want to thank all the players who worked with me and those who played against me. And also those who were loyal and even disloyal. I want to thank the sponsors who always believed in me. And lastly to my family, my Abbu (father), my Ammi (mother), my brothers and my dear sister for all their prayers and blessings. I thank you very much.

You had said that you had a little more cricket left in you and you could play for a few more years. Then why this sudden announcement?
Look, I had decided upon this moment about two years back. When I was going through my knee surgery for the fourth time, I had made that decision that I was going to play this World Cup and play the part that as much as possible for Pakistan. I made that decision then and there. And secondly, the news about the three Pakistani players being involved in such matter (spot-fixing) and that’s where I felt a lot like I should be able to help the Pakistan team. I should concentrate on my fitness and get back into the side and help Pakistan. So that decision was made around a couple of years ago.

But I must make way for the youngsters to take over.

Satisfied with how your career has shaped up despite all the controversies and the number of Test matches that you missed?
As it is, playing for my country was just a dream. But I never thought it would come true and that I could only hope that I could play with the people I admired. As it is, it was such a great thing to make my debut for the Pakistan team. It was a pleasure, an honour and if I am ever born again, I would do the same thing.

About my injuries, the hypermobility in my joints have cost me a lot of Test matches. But whenever I had a chance, even with the niggles and during the most horrifying of pains, I never said no to Pakistan. And I always made myself available. I always wanted to be there for my country as much as possible. So there are no regrets except few. But you see I have countless victories and memorable moments like getting Sachin out first ball and bowling Dravid out. Playing with Waqar and Wasim. And serving just the greatest nation on the planet. Playing for Pakistan and serving my country, what else could I have asked for. Yes it was a dream.

Future plans:
So for what I have planned is, I am going to spend time with my family. I haven’t been with my family for the last 14 years, in fact 18 years. I have dearly missed my family a lot. And my parents are getting old and I want to serve them well. The only truth about my career is that I represented my country with everything I had and was very honest while I was doing so.

The best moment in your career and the fastest ball that you bowled during the 2003 World Cup to Nick Knight:
When my name got announced for Pakistan, I could not believe that someone like me could ever play for this great team. And the team had some of my idols, Wasim, Waqar, and Imran was there lending support whenever he could and Inzamam and all the other senior players, who I would see on television and dream to play with them. The best moment was when I got my first kit for my first Test, which had a big star on my chest (the Pakistani cricket symbol). And I wore that kit and slept in it, and I couldn’t believe that I was going to wake up in it. I did not take it off for three days. I was so passionate about my country and so patriotic. And I was so pleased that I am going to make it to the Pakistan team. And that was the best moment—the first kit I was given.

I have bowled a few 100-mile deliveries before that, but unfortunately it didn’t get accepted. I found myself in that race (to bowl the fastest ball and cross the 100-mile barrier) I don’t know why (sniggers) but I wanted to do that in an ICC event and once and for all, put an end to it. And I am glad that Pakistan, Rawalpindi (where he hails from) and the subcontinent now can boast of having had the fastest bowler in the planet.

Some of my best moments in international cricket came in India and also while playing back home. The first over I bowled in front of my home crowd. And also the Test that we played in Kolkata, where I got Sachin and Rahul out and playing a huge part in my team’s win. But it was also sad that my idol (Waqar) had to sit out because of me. I have never admired anyone like I have him (Waqar). Always have and always will.

Do you think you can have done something different regarding the controversies that played such a huge role in your career?
I don’t know, perhaps that’s how it was supposed to happen in my life. Because as I said, I had a wonderful run in international cricket. And I loved being out there, I loved bowling fast and I loved winning matches for my country. There are few moments but that’s just a part of life. It’s all a process you have to go through. And you grow out of it and you turn 35 and you become mature. I came from a humble background and cricket has been an institution for me. Whatever I have learnt I have learnt from cricket. There have been no moments that I regret. And the days I played for my country will always remain close to my heart.

On the players he enjoyed bowling against:
I wouldn’t say that I enjoyed bowling against them as they are my very top of the favourite. Inzamam is there. I love bowling with Wasim and Waqar obviously. Love bowling against was Gilchrist. I love to hate him but he was very tough. Ricky Ponting was another greatest that you can ever imagine. He has not only played but won matches and has so much ability. I wish he plays for Australia for some more time. Then my favourite Brian Lara. He was so elegant that I lost myself in his elegance. I only bowled three balls to him and that were the favourite three balls. I felt very sad when I hit him and he had to leave. These are the players that I really enjoyed bowling against. I wish that I could ever bowl but my good luck is that I could never bowl to that guy Viv Richards.

Team not wanting you:
Nothing like that. It’s my personal decision. Obviously I have consulted with Intikhab Alam before the New Zealand tour. I sat down with Afridi and Aquib. We all sat down together and decided on this point. At the same time it was my wish that I wanted to retire in this tournament and wanted to do well. There is no rift. I told them today that I am going to double my efforts from today in the field and any possible manner that I can offer help to Pakistan cricket. With every ounce of the blood in my body I will serve my country. I play or not is up to the management so they are the best people to answer that. I am working hard, even today I am focusing on the match against Australia and if I get a chance I will serve my country to the best of my abilities. If I don’t play I will ensure that my efforts and guidance. I will make sure that every guy gets my help. If nothing is left I will carry water to the field.

Replacing Wasim anad Waqar and questions over fitness and timing:
Obviously as I told you that I made this decision about an year ago. You always knew me as not the fittest man or the bowler. I always played with pain. I have always been half-unfit. I have never been a guy what you call who can play five ODIs on a trot. Fitnee issues have been there and are still there. But as if now I am feeling good, have been bowling 10 overs. In the last one year I have played almost all one dayers and have bowled ten overs in all kind of situations. You see my efforts have been there in the World Cup and I will double my efforts from now on. Whatever I can do for my Pakistan I will do it with the best of my abilities.

How do you want to be remembered?
Definitely want to be remembered as a guy who was very patriotic about his country and always been very honest. A guy who was always been there through the thick and the thin. Pain or no pain, I never worried about getting myself injured. On numerous times, I had so many injuries but I still carried on playing for Pakistan. I never said no and will never say no to Pakistan. Pakistan is my greatest passion. Whenever it was required of me to get out and play I was there. I always picked up the right path. I promised to myself, to my parents and to my country that I will never pick the right path and I always stayed away from controversies like match fixing.

I am available for every match, I am working hard and bowling fast as quick as you know. My pace is still there, I am not slowing down. My services are there for the country whenever they need me. As of now I will like to be with my family. They haven’t seen much of me in the last 18 years. My mom really misses me, she wants me back home so I will be back home in Islamabad.

Perception of Pakistan cricket:
It’s getting better. The way we are playing and have gathered ourselves after the episode in England, we have worked really hard. As a senior player and Pakistani it was my responsibility to lift the game back and come here with only focus being on wining the WC. Obviously if we win the tournament we will get the cricket back in Pakistan. We will get the craze back in Pakistan. We are playing for the people of Pakistan. This time we are not going to go down without a fight. We have to make sure that we make it happen for millions of the people around the world and especially for my people in Pakistan. This is a chance we have to turn it all around.

Some day this had to happen might as well now.

Dressing room scenes in the morning:
Obviously sentiments were there. Sadness was there. The team knew that it was going to happen but they were not ready to believe it. They love me and I love them. They were sad but they were also happy for me. The next few matches that I play I am going to whetever is left in me I am going to put it in against Australia or any other matches I play. They are happy for my future life. Might be feeling a bit awkward to them that in Pakistan cricket someone is leaving on this note and I would say that they were a bit shocked. They have accepted this decision of mine. This is my decision and I hope I am setting a good trend.

That doesn’t mean I am criticizing anyone. But Pakistan team…unfortunately there have been some incidents. But if you look at it.. the greatest part of Pakistan cricket is that, if you remember.. we’ve played 1986 semifinal, 92 final, we’ve played quarterfinal in 96, then we played final in 99. We’d a bad run in 2003 and 07, but we have won the T20 World Championship, and now we are in quarterfinal here once again. So, Pakistan cricket has achieved so much and why can’t you remember that. It’s very important to cherish the memory of Pakistan cricket and the magnificent part that Pakistan has played for world cricket. The talent they have produced to inspire so many youngsters around the planet to start this beautiful game, because of Wasim (Akram), Waqar (Younis), Inzamam and because of Imran (Khan), and Imran was the driving force behind Pakistan cricket. I am literally thankful to Imran, and if I didn’t watch him when I was growing up, the long hair, the beautiful structure, the man was well-educated and the greatest cricket I have ever seen, I wouldn’t have been a cricketer. I would have ended up copying Waqar and I would have ended up something different which is Shoaib.

As I said earlier, I want to spent time with family and I don’t want to anything else. My message to the youngsters is not to give up, not to give it at any cost, don’t go in depression, if you go in depression make sure that have a quick nap and get up and start training. That’s the best way release your tension, the best way to release your negative energy and thoughts. Please stick to the cause, bang your head on to the wall until you go through that wall. In right manners, be hyper, don’t be incomplete man…get up, train, work hard and love your country and love what you do. As far as is retirement is considered, this is my retirement and I am not coming back.

How can I predict, I am not …(laughs).

It’s an emotional decision for me and it was a tough decision for me. To play for Pakistan was not just my dream, it was my passion, and I am attached to my country. All of you know that how painful at times it was for me to play because of various injuries but I never say no when it comes to playing for Pakistan. It’s an emotional decision, there will be a lot memories. As a human being, though not perfect, I have always tried to put my country ahead of anything else and try not to be a part of any controversy, especially not to get involved in that controversy…playing for Pakistan was a dream, will you make me cry now? I have consulted my dad, mom, and they are getting old and told me to come back to home but do better and come. I might have played on for another one or two years, but I want to give chance to youngsters and if any youngster, in Pakistan or in India, if they want my guidance and I will transfer my knowledge for them, so that they can channelize their aggression well and become fast bowlers and world can admire them.

The world is suddenly slow with his decision by SportPulse

Shoaib Akhtar is retiring from cricket after the World Cup. And certainly the most mercurial, compelling and controversial career of World cricket is coming to an end. Its not something surprising for me neither it’s something of news to leave me stunned. I expected this from Shoaib. He looks past his best and simply gives the impression of a soldier who simply is trying to give us the impression that what force he was once.

But the colorful Rawalpindi boy will be missed. Shoaib caught my attention in 1998 in the second Test against South Africa at Durban where his pace completely destroyed the Proteas batting line up and helped to take a lead that paved the way for a memorable win. Then he again was lost and he again came back with a bang at Kolkata where his express pace left the Indian God clueless and broke “The Wall” in to pieces.

The Kolkata exhibition of furious pace from the 23 year old Rawalpindi boy launched the story of Shoaib Akhtar. Since then the world was thrilling, the world was like an express train, the world used to thunder towards its target like a leopard. The world loved remixed music, DJ parties and it loved the run of Shoaib Akhtar.

The world loved the aeroplane landing on the runway with a style as Shoaib Akhtar aeroplane antics after getting a scalp. Time used to stand still and hold it’s breathe when Shoaib used to start his run up towards the wicket and let the expiratory air release when Shoaib delivered his cannon balls down the track. But the romance and adventure never finished. The thrill never dried up as the flat footed, dark eyed, silky haired dashing Pakistani was to script thrillers after thrillers with each of his deliveries.

The world will never forget his devastation against England on a flat Lahore track in 2005 in the third Test where he rattled the cream of English batting with a fiery spell that contained slower ball mostly, the world will miss the thunderous attack on the Aussies at Brisbane and Colombo in 2002, The Eden gardens will always curse him from shutting her down when he knocked out the Indian Gods middle stump.

In an era when the world lacked fast men to put shiver down the spine, Shoaib Akhtar has been the Ferrari on the rough roads. There were flat wickets every where only to aid the batters, the rules had gone against the faster men and the bowlers were to shun pace and were taking care of line length more. But Shoaib refused to go defensive. He continued to essay pulsating and impulsive bowling and continued to rattle the stumps with his deadly venomous pace.

Shoiab could have been an all-time best fast bowler had he been more disciplined, had he been more cautious in handling his temper. His recklessness and his fragile fitness often let him and his fans down. And the biggest loss was cricket’s as it missed more thrillers of the man named: Shoaib Akhtar.

Cricket will lose its colour when Shoaib will halt after the World Cup. He was the foaming, freakish crank who sleeps and shouts at the end of your road through the night, and you and the other neighbours complain about him, but when he's gone, for some reason you wish he wasn't.

Even those who hated him will definitely miss him. His name will come in any cricketing topic when the subject about fast bowlers is being discussed. The world’s thrill seems to have stopped; the wind is not blowing fast in the cricketing arena, the speed gun has suddenly become a lost topic, the aeroplane is not landing artistically on the runway.

The world seems suddenly slow with Shoaib Akhtar's decision of retirement.

The Conclusion of a Great Story by Zeeshan Ahmed

I woke up this morning, and as usual, checked my cell first, I was going through the text messages when I found @MOHAMMAD_umar 's text message...
"F*** ! Shoaib Akhtar Retiring! F***"

For a few moments I failed to understand. My lazy grey cells, as Hercule Poirot calls them, simply denied this revelation. I skipped this text, and checked other ones. Sadly, I was not dreaming. There were around 15 text messages which simply said "Shoaib Akhtar set to retire". I couldn't believe it...

I still remember what happened to me when I read about Michael Jackson's death just after waking up on June 25, 2009. My best friend's text shattered me "Michael Joseph Jackon is no more. Rest in Peace". I can never forget that feeling.

The same feeling pulled the ground beneath me, when I woke up on August 29, 2010 (It was around 3 am, for Sehri) to find about the News of the World's exposé of Spot Fixing within the Pakistan Team. I still remember what happened with me, I failed to comprehend the situation, and had no one to comfort me.

It was somewhat the same today, but there was a single emotion over that almost drowned me. It was sorrow.

I have always been a die hard fan of Shoaib, regardless of the controversies. There was also a time when I was depressed because of his scandals, but I knew the guy still had it. Last year, when Shoaib made a comeback, and played domestic T20 competition, my uncle was also here (on a visit, from India). He is a fan too, of Shoaib. We were talking about him, as he kept bowling for Islamabad Leopards, setting off from his mark and scaring the hell out of batsmen. My uncle said "Look at him! His pace is just so awesome! He can still do it!" I listened to him for a while, and then said "You know uncle, Geoff Lawson, who coached Pakistan in 2007-08 recently said that Shoaib was the most careless cricketer he ever came across". My uncle smiled, and then said "I don't care. He's an artist, he has God-gifted talent. A person with such a talent can act crazy at times, but it is the responsibly of the captain, coach to make sure they get the best out of him" I nodded and agreed.

My love for Shoaib Akhtar increased a million times when he made his comeback, last year, in 2010. His performance in Asia Cup 2010, the whole tour of England (including T20s Vs. Australia), then the series in UAE against South Africa and later on in New Zealand. I loved the way he bowled during the England-Pakistan ODI series, right after Spot Fixing scandal. With all the pressure, and the criticism, he led the bowling attack, and the way he dedicated himself on the field, was just breathtaking.

Currently playing his last World Cup, and his last International tournament/ series, he has done well so far too. The best delivery was when he dismissed Jayawardene, and added him to the hall of shame by taking down the middle stump.

Shoaib Akhtar said that his biggest accomplishment was 'being an honest man'. These words echo, what a man he is. Regardless of being thrashed by issues both on and off the field, he never backed down. He was like that Hero is epics, who never gave up and kept coming back, destroying his enemies.

Who can forget that plane celebration ? Who can forget the rants ? Who can forget the dirty brawls ? Who can forget Shoaib's finger, as he pointed toward the batsmen ? No one.

I am pretty sure that he'll do his best against Australia on March 19th and then later on in the Quarter Finals. I want him to dismiss every batsman, and etch a deep mark on the mind of every cricket lover out there. If this is his swan song, I want him to do his best. People like Shoaib Akhtar are irreplaceable. Though, I can never do him justice by writing about him, because words will always defy me, but just like Shoaib, I will never give up.

Shoaib, go and rock the world ! We will always love you, and respect you.

4 more from the brilliant Zeeshan visit him on: http://iamzeeshan.blogspot.com

The Special One Known As Shoaib Ahktar

One That Will Never Be Forgotten!

The only thing certain in any sporting career is it's brief and could end as quickly as it starts.So you learn to let go of all its players from the average to the good to the great.Some passing without a thought,others having some meaning and then the others who you let go with a certain regret.A bit like you'd pass on your favourite childhood Teddy that meant so much too you
On a higher plain is the ones that occupy your heart and you deem as being special.When you have to let go of these players the pain is immense and the legacy is taken to your grave....
Ive lived a long time. so have a few that will be buried with me with probably my most poignant being the Aussie firebrand Jeff Thomson
To put his meaning to me in context..........
I didn't cry at my children's birth or my grand children's birth,but I balled like a little schoolgirl when Alan Turner ran into Thomson in 1976 and wrecked his shoulder......
For he was special and in essence was the heart in my sporting being and couldn't bare him not being around....
35 years on we are faced with the lose of another special one in Shoaib Ahktar and with his announcement of impending retirement after the World Cup.You could almost close your eyes and feel the hearts of the 180 million cricket crazy Pakistani's breaking with this announcement
This was because Shoaib Ahktar was everything that the word special embodied.Whether he was on the field or off the field he was the subject of fanfare.For such was his mystique and his aura that people just couldn't take their eyes off him.
Maybe it was because he was what we attach with sexy in the game.That of being an express fast bowler that when he got it right he could make even the very best look foolish.

And don't think this was a once off...For he did the same to the peerless Aussie batsmen and to the South African's
Which duly gained him the Rawalpindi Express nickname for he was truly irresistible.
It didn't matter that he probably didn't live up to his immense potential or if in fact he was more frustrating to the masses throughout his career.......
Or it didn't matter that he was the source of scandals within the Team and in the public eye....
All that mattered was how he made people feel by his exploits which few could come close.Or the meaning to these masses of people that came with how he made them feel
For he was like a diamond so rare and special and something we just couldn't take our eyes off,
For this we thank you Mr Shoaib Ahktar for everything you gave us!
Shabby you will be missed but never forgotton,

Mere Cheetey meri dua tere saath hai